Did you know that nearly half of American women experience some degree of urinary incontinence? Yet far too many suffer in silence, convinced that their problem is “just part of life.” Well, the fact is, it doesn’t have to be a part of your life. Whether you’re dealing with embarrassing leaks when you cough, sneeze, or laugh or experience sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate, it’s time to take charge of your health and talk about the issue. The best person to talk to is one of our MarinHealth experts.
Our urogynecology and urology experts are well equipped to help solve incontinence issues of all kinds. A Urogynecologist (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon) is a physician who completed a three year subspecialty fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery after completing a residency in either obstetrics & gynecology or urology. This subspecialty is focused on the treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and childbirth-related pelvic floor trauma. A urologist can treat both men and women for urinary tract issues and other urologic symptoms.
Stress incontinence is an anatomical issue caused by a weakened pelvic floor. Women with stress incontinence may leak urine when they sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise, or lift something heavy. The problem can develop right after a woman gives birth or over time, as she ages. Overactive bladder (OAB), especially common in post-menopausal women, is a neurological issue in which the muscles of the bladder contract involuntarily. Some women suffer from “mixed incontinence”, a combination of stress incontinence and OAB.
Lifestyle modifications, such as eliminating caffeine and alcohol, pelvic physical therapy, and weight loss, are a good first step to treat both stress incontinence and OAB. Further treatment depends on the type of incontinence. Stress incontinence is often treated with clinical methods to support the bladder and urethra. Minimally invasive surgeries can also be very effective. Treatment is different for OAB. Topical estrogen cream may help. Other approaches include medications, nerve stimulation, or an implantable bladder “pacemaker.”
Dr. Pathi is board certified in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery as well as in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
As a subspecialist, Dr. Pathi’s practice is exclusively focused on the care and management of women with pelvic floor disorders. She specializes in diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, . fecal incontinence, and childbirth-related pelvic floor dysfunction. She is able to provide the full-breadth of surgical and non-surgical treatment option.
Dr. Pathi is a staunch advocate for women’s health and treats her patients as partners in their own care, explaining all the treatment options to arrive at the solution that best fits each woman’s needs and lifestyle.
Dr. Chan specializes in general urology, as well as the treatment of complex urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse issues. He is board certified in Urology and fellowship trained in Incontinence, Neurourology, and Female Pelvic Reconstruction. Dr. Chan has published over 23 peer reviewed articles and given over 41 conference presentations.
“Nothing brings me more satisfaction than helping others gain back their freedom from health issues that limit their activities and worsen their quality of life. My practice philosophy is simple. I strive to provide the highest quality care in a comfortable and warm setting, and to tailor that care as much as possible to the individual needs of each patient.”
